Creekside Community Church: “Imitating Jesus” Loving God like Jesus Loved God II
December 9, 2012
John Bruce – Pastor

Loving God with our Talents

"For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, 'Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, 'Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.' But his master answered and said to him, 'You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.' For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:14-30

What do the talents represent?
What is the master’s business?
What is the slave’s responsibility?

For further thought and discussion: Getting Started

1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?

Going Deeper

Please read Matthew 25:14-30. Why did Jesus tell this parable? What do you notice about what the master entrusts to his slaves? Judging from this passage, what do you think the talents represent? What are some ways God has made you unique? What kind of personality has He given to you? What are your strengths? What are your skills? What are your spiritual gifts? What opportunities to serve Him has He given to you?
The master tells the slaves to do business for him while he is gone. What business is God in? Please read Matthew 28:18-20. What is Jesus going to be looking for when He returns? What are some possible ways you could use your unique personality, strengths, skills, gifts and opportunities to make more disciples of Jesus? What holds you back?
Judging from this parable, what was the responsibility the master gave to his slaves? Compare the two slaves with the one. What contrasts do you find? Why is taking risks necessary for reward? Why is playing it safe so dangerous for the servant of God? What risks do you feel like God is calling you to take for His profit?
Is this parable about service or about salvation? Why? If we’re saved by grace through faith, how do we explain the fact that the 3rd servant is lost? What’s the point of this parable? How can you better love God through the use of your talents?

Application:

What is one thing you learned from this week’s passages that you will apply to your life?